Bukidnon – Watershed of Mindanao
Bukidnon is known as the watershed of Mindanao. Several rivers carved the landscape of the province, creating numerous canyons. These rivers then serve as source of potable water for the residents of Bukinon and nearby province of Misamis Oriental. More than a watershed, Bukidnon has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to tourism.
The Kitanglad Mountain Range is where the second highest peak in the country is located – Mt. Dulang-Dulang. The Philippine monkey-eating eagle lives in its thick forest, and the biggest flower in the country, the Rafflesia, is found at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad. The Del Monte Philippines Plantation, the largest pineapple plantation in the Far East, covers the vast lands of the province. With this, Bukidnon can attract tourist with different interests as it has something to offer for everyone.
Demographics
1. Population –
1, 190, 284 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 10, 498.59 sq. km
3. Capital – Malaybalay City
4. Language/Dialect – Cebuano, Bunukid, English,
and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (2)
Municipalities (20)
Bubunawan
River
Connected to the Cagayan River, the Bubunanaw River
poses a challenge to any whitewater rapid enthusiast.
Some consider it as one of the toughest course in the
country.
Rafflesia
and Philippine Eagle in Kitanglad Mountain Range
Believed by many scientists as extinct, a Rafflesia
Schadenbergiana Gopp, locally known as Rafflesia, was
discovered in the thick forest of Mt. Kitanglad. This
mountain range also serves as the sanctuary and breeding
ground of the Philippine Eagle.
Del Monte
Philippines Plantation
It is considered as the biggest pineapple plantation
in the Far East. It has vast tracks of land planted
to pineapple
Kaamulan
Festival
A cultural festival that presents the rich customs and
traditions of the 7 ethnic hill tribes of Bukidnon:
Talaandig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tiwahanon, Matigsalug,
and Bukidnon.
Cultural
Taalandig
Ancestral Territory
Location: Brgy. Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon
It is a community of people who are consciously reviving
and keeping the ancient ways and wisdom of the tribe.
They have resorted to the traditional and tribal way
of resolving conflicts and maintaining peace thereby
preserving relations and harmony among the dwellers.
Customary law is also enforced.
Historical
Mangima Cnanoyon
(Stome Mark of Yoshito’s Grave
Location: Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
A stone inscribed with Japanese characters mark the
grave of high-ranking Japanese Officials who was killed
during World War II. Roughly elliptical and measuring
about 3 feet and 1 foot across, the stone bears two
nets of inscriptions that translate as: "On this
spot died Miyazaki Yoshito, Chief of Army and "Emperor
Chiao". In memory of Kaji Battalion, May 8, 1942."
Man-made
Del Monte
Philippines Inc. (DMPI) Pineapple Plantation
Location: Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasug-ong and Libona,
Bukidnon
DMPI was incorporated in 1926 and is one of the oldest
and largest agro-industrial firms in the Philippines.
It is the largest agricultural operation in Bukidnon
Atugan New
Bridge
Location: Sayre Highway, Impasugong, Bukidnon
This is said to be the highest bridge in the country,
constructed with the latest trend of structural engineering.
Pulangi IV
Hydroelectric Plant
Location: Kiuntod, Barangay Camp 1, Maramag, Bukidnon
National Power Corporation (NPC) operates with a capacity
of 255 megawatts, contributing 25% of Mindanao’s
power needs.
Busco Sugar
Milling Co., Inc.
Location: Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon
The first sugar mill in the province of Bukidnon and
the second in Mindanao, erected sometime in 1975, it
has a capacity of 4000 TCD. BUSCO now operates with
a rated capacity of 18,000 tons of cane daily (TCD).
It the largest mill/refinery in the Philippines in terms
of sugar produced per seasonal crop. It also has the
largest refinery in the Southern Philippines, with an
estimated capacity of one-third its milling capacity.
Natural
Bobonawan
River
Location: Cananglasan, Bukidnon
This is the most accessible white-water river in the
country, with only four kilometers away from the Cagayan
de Oro Airport. Waves here are large and often
irregular. The 25km whitewater run is consistently fast
and drops can be severe. In some sections the river
narrows dramatically and runs into sheer rock walls,
making 90 degree turns.
Pulangi River
Location: Brgy. Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon
Flowing down the inlands of Bukidnon, this majestic
river entails a scenic and serene view devoting itself
to the beauty of nature with lush forests and hills
along its riverbank. It is one of the main tributaries
of the Rio Grande of Mindanao
Tagoloan
River
Location: Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon - Tagoloan,
Misamis Oriental
Its headwaters in the mountains of Can-ayan, Malaybalay
City. It traverses the province northwestward passing
through Malaybalay City, Impasug-ong, Sumilao, Manolo
Fortich, Malitbog and finally empties into the sea at
Misamis Oriental
Cagayan River
Location: Talakag, Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis
Oriental Its headwaters are found in the Kitanglad Mountain
Range in central Bukidnon. The river flows northward
through the municipalities of Talakag and Baungon. Its
mouth lies at Cagayan de Oro where it is the main source
of potable water.
Manupali
River
Location: Lantapan, Bukidnon
It is a major tributary of the Pulangi River. It forms
part of the natural boundary of the Valencia City and
Lantapan. It flows eastward towards Malaybalay City,
eventually joining the Pulangi River in Valencia City.
Lake Apo
Location: Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Bukidnon
Lake Apo is a 25 hectares lake dubbed as cleanest and
greenest inland body of water in Region 10. Foreign,
domestic and local tourist already visited the area.
Pinamaloy
Lake
Location: Brgy. Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
It is the biggest lake in the province, covering about
50 hectares.
Napalit Lake
Location: Brgy. Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, Bukidnon
The lake covers an area of 36 hectares and is one of
the tourist spots in the municipality. There are 24
islets floating in the lake.
Mt. Kitanglad
and Mt. Kitanglad Range National Park
Location: Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich,
Impasug-ong, Lantapan and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
M.t Kitnaglad, the fourth highest mountain in the country,
towers up to more than 9,000 feet and serves as the
base of the province’s long distance communication
system. The National Park, proclaimed through R.A. 8978,
has an area of 31,295 hectares composed of more than
a dozen mountain peaks, including Mount Kitanglad, Mount
Lumuluyaw, Mount Maagnaw, Mount Tuminungan and Mount
Dulang-Dulang, the second highest mountain peak in the
country.
Rafflesia
Schadenbergiana Gopp
Location: Sitio Kalanganan, Brgy. San Vicente, Baungon,
Bukidnon Rafflesia, known as “kolon busaw”
among the local dwellers and Higaonon tribe, is the
largest flower in the Philippines, having a diameter
of seventy (70) centimeter. It was first discovered
and collected on Mt. Parag in Mindanao sometime in 1882.
The flower gets to bloom only once a year and possess
a lifespan of less than one week. When it blooms, it
exudes a smell akin to the stench of a rotten flesh.
Sumalsag
Cave
Location: Brgy. Kilabong, Sumilao, Bukidnon
The cave boasts of its abundance of stalactites and
stalagmites and has a length that stretches to about
1,850 meters. One of its unique features is its exit
where one has to dive underwater to get to the other
side of the wall in the exit passage. The height of
the cave varies from one meter to 20 meters and its
width varies from less than a meter to a more spacious
9 meters.
Pinamaloy
Cave
Location: Poblacion, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
Measuring at approximately 50 hectares, it has a guitar
shape and planted with Gmelina and Mahogany trees. Domestic
and local tourists already visited the area. It is also
good for boating and picnic area.
Center for
Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR) Eco-Tourism
Site
Location: Brgy. Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon
It is becoming a popular recreation and amusement park
in this side of Mindanao. CEDAR has a total land area
of approximately 1,703 hectares with an elevation ranging
from 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level. Diverse flora
and fauna thrive in the area.
Kaamulan
Park
Location: Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
The Park has been the site of provincial fairs, foremost
of which is the Kaamulan Festival. The park in its natural
setting is abounding with pine trees. The Kaamulan
Tree Park, with its vast expanse of green foliage and
cool air, is an ideal place for picnics and quiet moments
with family and friends, or for a good jog in early
mornings or a more leisurely walk in the late afternoon.
The area is best used for camping and rodeo activities.
Religious
Monastery
of Transfiguration
Location: Brgy. San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Made by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin,
The Monastery offers a tranquil place where one enjoys
the profound serenity and beauty of nature while relating
to the spiritual world.
Carmelite
Monastery
Location: Pal-ing, Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay City,
Bukidnon
The Carmelite Sister’s Monastery is a place for
retreat and prayer. The refreshing air, well-kept flower
gardens and a beautiful view of some mountains in this
part of the city makes it ideal for quiet moments to
ponder and take a breather from a busy life.
Kaamulan
Festival
Place: Bukidnon
Date: Last week of February to First week of March
Kaamulan comes from the Binukid word amul, meaning
“to gather”. The feast is celebrated at
the same time as Bukidnon's Foundation Day. It features
programs highlighting the historic beginnings of Bukidnon
such as trade fair, garden show, food fest, agri-fair,
rodeo and horse show, street dancing contest, and rituals
showcasing tribal Bukidnon culture.
By Air – Land:
There are no commercial flights going directly
to the province. The nearest airport is the Lumbia
Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, catering domestic
flights from the cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
From Cagayan de Oro, take a bus or rent a van
to reach Bukidnon.
By Sea – Land:
From the Port of Cagayan de Oro City, take a bus
or van to reach Bukidnon. Several ferry services
are available connecting Cagayan de Oro City to
seaports in the cities of Cebu, Manila, Bohol
and other ports in Luzon and Visayas.